Probably the only bad thing about this trip was the dust. The duster and tire carrier in the first 2 pictures are denim black,
not khaki. This is after the first day of trails. It took me 2 days to get (most of) the dirt out (at least what can be seen).
Now that the bad is out of the way, the good. This is a beautiful canyon. The trails were great. I have never been on any rocks
or such (only mud, sand and small dirt hills here in Houston). My wife was happy that there was no body damage (except for a few
paint scratches that I had to fix with polishing compound). Lots of scrapes and a few dents on the underside, but that is what skid
plates are for. I had the honor of being the first person in our group (red group) to be strapped, on the first hill in the first
20 minutes after going out. I only needed to be strapped 1 more time the first day, and none on the second. On the second day, I
left my strap hooked up to my bumper (the yellow thing in some of the pics), and I guess it kept me from needing to be strapped.
Our trail guide was great. Our group of 18 Jeeps
had a little of everything. My stock TJ, with another just like it (both the "X" model, un-modified). Several other TJ's, from
slightly to heavily modified, with 1 Rubicon in there too. A few modified YJ's, a stock CJ-7 and a few modified CJ-7's
(one being my brother-in-law's, which broke), 2 modified Grand Cherokee's (which both did very well),
and a '74 CJ-5 that went where ever it wanted. I only saw 1 KJ at the Jamboree, and wanted to see how well it did, but never saw
or heard.
I was really surprised with how well I did. The stock TJ suspension really flexes when disconnected. Once I got aired
down (was at 20 both times I got stuck, then went down to 15psi) it went much better. I know that before I go again, I really need
an oil pan skid plate. I was worried every time I felt a big clunk that it was the oil pan getting smacked. Also going to get
some better tires. The Goodyear GSA's did ok, but I know they were the reason I got stuck one time, and played a part in the
other. Looking at getting some 31x10.5x15" BFG MT's. Things I want but probably won't get before I go next time are a front locker,
rock rails, and a lift (I have the 2" coil spacers, but have not put them on
yet.) I wish I had taken more pictures, but with driving and all the dust, I didn't
get to take as many as I wanted.
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